WHAT’S IN MY MAKEUP BAG?
One of the things I get asked all the time is what makeup products I use, especially since sustainable and natural ingredients are so important to me. With all the chemical-rich makeup out there, it can sometimes prove a challenge to find more responsible cosmetics, but I still have plenty of faves to share with you!
WHAT I WEAR EVERY DAY
Inika is a godsend when it comes to formula — it’s hard to believe it’s natural! This powder gives my skin lovely coverage without ever looking cakey or powdery. Considering it covers the largest area of my face, it’s really good to know that it’s chemical-free and not seeping noxious substances into my pores.
INIKA strikes again! This is everything we all look for in a mascara: it defines the lashes without clumping or flaking — so good. My best friend Sjaniël, a holistic, all-natural makeup artist, swears by the W3ll People mascara, as she prefers the brush, so have a try of both to see what works best for you.
3. ZAO Liquid Eyeliner in Black
Another miracle worker that works just as well — if not better — than all the chemical eyeliners at Boots. This liner is super pigmented and perfect for a smouldering look.
4. Tata Harper Lip & Cheek Tint in “Very Nice”
This multi-function gem is the perfect shade, a lovely dirty rose, to complement my olive skin. I love giving my makeup look a boost with this all-natural tint — just tap it onto cheeks and lips for that just-pinched look. I especially like this in winter as it gives a healthy, fresh glow to my paler skin.
5. Burt’s Bees Lipstick in “Sunset Cruise”
I love that natural beauty brand Burt’s Bees is so affordable and widely available. This shade is a gorgeous coral that I find really complements my skin tone on its own in the summer, or together with a bronzer in winter. This product is somewhere between a lipstick and a tinted lip gloss — I usually dab it on over lip balm for a subtle hint of colour, or build it up on clean lips for a more evening-worthy look.
6. Couleur Caramel Eyebrow Pencil
No makeup look is complete without filling in your eyebrows! I love this all-natural pencil made from pronounceable ingredients like beeswax and shea butter.
AND FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Finding a cream bronzer that’s not packed with chemicals is no easy feat, but this one from W3ll People is a truly great pick. It gives my cheekbones a perfect warm glow, without creating any unsightly creases or marks.
This luxe shimmer powder is a welcome addition to my usual look when I’m going to a dressier event. And in summer, it’s a go-to for my day look too — I dab it on temples, cheeks and eyes in combination with a touch of bronzer for a beachy natural look.
This natural cream feels like a dream on my skin; it’s so moisturising and smooth, while providing full enough coverage for a big event where I know photographers will abound.
This super slim compact with bronzer, blusher, powder and a mirror is a great one for nights out and mini handbags! It’s like a makeup kit in your back pocket.
11. Aveda Texture Tonic Salt Spray
OK, it’s not technically makeup, but I still had to include this product. It’s the perfect finishing touch for when I don’t want to spend too much time on my hair, but still want to look put together. I’ve got lots of medium, slightly wavy hair that goes fluffy when it’s brushed, so instead I give it a spritz at the ends to help shape it. This spray is made from natural ingredients including epsom salt and cane sugar.
For more on my beauty routine, check out my features in Refinery29 and Get the Gloss!